Did someone say the new Lady Gaga song is ‘number one with a bullet?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘number one with a bullet’ means something or someone experiencing a rapid rise to fame. You could use the phrase to describe an influencer that shot to superstardom overnight, like Andrew Tate.
Or you could use it to describe someone in your company experiencing a rapid rise through the corporate rankings. If someone is ‘number one with a bullet,’ it means they are still rising in respect and fame, and they have a long way to go to reach their peak.
Example Usage
"I'll be your number one with a bullet. I'm ready to rise up the rankings and receive the fame I deserve. Put me in coach. I know I can pull it off."
"She's number one with a bullet on this week's charts. Her rapid rise to fame means she has millions of fans around the globe."
"This album is number one with a bullet. It came out of nowhere to top the charts in its second week of release."
"The new guy in the sales team is number one with a bullet. He's only been here a few weeks and is already way ahead of the others in sales figures."
"This new car model is number one with a bullet. It's eclipsing sales of all other vehicles in its range and shows no signs of slowing down."
"Our new dog is number one with a bullet. He's already asserting dominance over the other puppies, even though he's only been here a few days."
"This product is number one with a bullet in its class. It's setting sales records and earning the company a huge financial windfall."
"This investor is number one with a bullet. He's a new guy on Wall Street, but he's showing the old dogs a trick or two with trading the markets."
Origin
The expression 'number one with a bullet' originates from the music industry. According to language experts, the term's first use appeared in Billboard Magazine in the 1960s. Writers and disc jockeys in the music industry would use 'number one with a bullet' to describe the rapid ascension of a song to the top of the charts, despite it only being out for a few days or weeks.
Billboard Magazine would list chart entries with a bullet next to the title to describe songs selling over a million copies, later referred to as 'going platinum.' The phrase went on to gain everyday use in culture to describe someone experiencing a rapid ascent to success in their field, profession, or culture.
'Number One with a Bullet' was also the title of a 1987 film directed by Jack Smight.
Phrases Similar to Number One with a Bullet
- Rise to fame.
- Instant success.
- I’m your huckleberry.
Phrases Opposite to Number One with a Bullet
- Slow starter.
- Unsuccessful.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Number one with a bullet.
Ways People May Say Number One with a Bullet Incorrectly
The phrase 'number one with a bullet' has nothing to do with bullets, firearms, or threats of violence. The 'bullet' describes their rapid ascension to respect or power within a group or organization. Being 'number one' means you rise to the top of the ranks.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Number One with a Bullet
You can use the expression 'number one with a bullet' to describe someone experiencing a rapid ascent to fame and fortune. You can use 'number one with a bullet' to describe friends and family experiencing immediate success or when talking about an up-and-coming influencer or celebrity gaining massive amounts of attention online.
Typically, the phrase suits social situations with friends but also has professional use. For instance, the new salesperson on the team setting records is 'number one with a bullet' because they're rapidly gaining respect and credibility in the organization due to their outstanding performance.